PORT TALBOT THREESOME KIERAN BUNCE, LEON SOLSKJAER ROWLANDS, AND MARCUS THOMAS BRUTALLY BEAT DOG DURING SANDFIELDS BURGLARY

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Sandfields, three men from Port Talbot—Kieran Jason Bunce, Leon Solskjaer Rowlands, and Marcus Lee Thomas—were convicted of a heinous burglary that included the brutal mistreatment of a defenseless dog. Bunce, born on May 6, 2000, and residing at Traethmelyn, Sandfields SA12 7TJ, along with Rowlands, born on October 23, 1999, of Morrison Road, Sandfields, and Thomas, born circa 1989, also of Morrison Road, carried out a break-in that turned into a scene of cruelty and violence.

Reverend Philip Owen, who was celebrating his 70th birthday at the time, recounted the terrifying events that unfolded during the burglary. The trio targeted his residence, smashing a window to gain entry. Once inside, they took glass shards from the broken window and placed them into meat they had retrieved from the fridge. This malicious act was intended to harm Rev Owen’s dog, Rusty, whom they then fed the contaminated meat. In addition to this calculated cruelty, the burglars physically assaulted Rusty, beating him on his back legs and ribs. Fortunately, a veterinarian later examined Rusty and confirmed that he had not ingested any glass, and the dog has since made a full recovery.

Marcus Thomas, identified as a career criminal with multiple previous convictions, was among those involved. The three men faced charges of breaking and entering, burglary, and theft. During the court proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, Bunce and Thomas admitted their involvement and received sentences of two years and eight months, and four years and six months, respectively. Rowlands, after a trial, was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Reverend Owen expressed his devastation, stating, “It was a big day but it was absolutely ruined.” He described how his grandchildren, who were visiting, were traumatised by the chaos and the state of their grandmother’s home. “The dog was badly beaten. It was terrible,” he added, reflecting on the cruelty inflicted upon Rusty.

Judge Geraint Thomas addressed the court, referring to Marcus Thomas as a “career criminal,” and suggested that the defendants could demonstrate remorse by revealing the whereabouts of stolen jewelry. The judge questioned what “Fagin-type character” they had passed the stolen items to, but the defendants refused to answer. Despite the severity of their actions, all three offenders received custodial sentences for the burglary. Notably, they were not prosecuted for animal cruelty, and therefore, no bans or restrictions related to animal abuse were imposed on them.